Pahokee, FL.— Tomorrow night lays host to one of the most highly anticipated Week 3 battles between red hot teams from Palm Beach County, the Benjamin Buccaneers (1-1) and the Pahokee Blue Devils (2-0).
This clash features two of the 561’s most storied programs, who’ve recently gone through re-identification processes, which has led to their current success. While many between Palm Beach Gardens and the Muck are certainly excited for this Thursday Night Football bout, none could top the anticipation of one family.
Thursday will be quite a house-divided evening for the Peterson family. On one sideline: senior WR/DB Braxton Peterson. On the other: 8th grade rising star QB Braylon Peterson.
Braxton Peterson has emerged into one of the senior standouts for the Benjamin Buccaneers. The 6 foot 4 wideout has recorded 5 catches for 65 yards and 1 touchdown during the Bucs’ first few contests. As for Braylon, the 2031 QB has been thrust into stardom following Pahokee’s 3 consecutive come from behind victories. During this undefeated stretch, Braylon has tossed for 455 passing yards 3 touchdowns on 75% completion.
Two teams, two sidelines, one family.
With their 4 year age gap, Thursday will mark the first time the Peterson brothers share the field together in pads. The only time Braxton and Braylon paired together during their careers up until this point was on the local 7v7 circuit, where QB1 Braylon found his big brother Braxton for a few TD’s. It’ll be a special moment for parents Lee and Jordan, watching their sons shine on one of the brightest stages in the area.
I asked both Braxton and Braylon to take a trip down memory lane and remember some of their first football memories together.
“We have been playing football in the living room for as long as I can remember….We played together in a couple of 7v7 tournaments together a couple of years ago. Bray threw me a few touchdowns which was fun.” Braxton shared. “It’s cool to be on the field together, but it would be better if it was the same team.”
“The earliest memory is probably when I was a baby, because he’s the reason why I’m playing. I always wanted to follow his path.” Braylon stated
This week was certainly an interesting time at practice and in the film room for the Peterson bro’s. While neither brother wants to give up the trade secrets on how to beat the other, the goal is to win nonetheless.
“It was very cool watching film and seeing my older brother dominate on the field and the defensive coaches asking me things about him….In my opinion he’s the most underrated WR in West Palm. Brax has great hands and has height, but everyone will see this year why I think that.”
“My role with the Bucs has been primarily on the offensive side, but it’s been pretty cool. I’m proud of him. Braylon works really hard. He’s always seen the field well, but now he can scramble too. I haven’t played much on the defensive side of the ball this season, but I’ll be ready for him. I can pick up on his cues better than most.”
As I previously stated, both the Benjamin Buccaneers and the Pahokee Blue Devils have sparked hot to open this fall. Benjamin opened their season with a week 0 win over Dwyer and then a dominate W against Jupiter Christian, before falling in a close bout to Melbourne Central Catholic last weekend. As for Pahokee, the Blue Devils started with a modest pre-season upset against Santaluces, before a 91 yard 2-minute drill game winning drive against Garcia High and the most improbable of walk off’s vs Royal Palm kept the Muck Boys unblemished.
Now, the Family Feud is set. Buccaneers v Blue Devils. Brother v Brother in a Thursday Night face-off you do NOT want to miss!
